10 Insider Tips to Artbox Even Before It Officially Launches in Singapore This Weekend

Be prepared to whip out your cameras and phone to capture some of the most captivating moments at Artbox Singapore. The signature ethereal fairy lights at the largest creative market in Singapore will make sure you do just that.

Artbox Singapore is poised to be a crowd-pleaser, especially with a dedicated beer garden by Chang Beer, Thailand’s world-renowned laager at the event and DBS Bank as the title sponsor. Daredevils can also cross their fingers for a free tattoo done by a critically-acclaimed (and mysterious) tattoo artist, courtesy of MTV Asia. Does it get any better?

As we spoke with Haoming Lee, the co-founder of Artbox Asia – here’s what you NEED to know before Artbox Singapore officially debuts here this weekend.

Artbox Asia’s first stop – Singapore

Photo courtesy of Singapore.

Why Singapore?

Singapore is the first destination for Artbox Asia as the founders of Invade, a Singapore-based innovative retail space creator are most familiar with their home market. Having organised some of the biggest pop-up markets in Singapore, they know market trends and the current shopper’s preferences like the back of their hands.

Each city’s installation of Artbox is customised with a local flavour that is unique to the city – ranging from the mix of vendors, partners to activity highlights. You can be assured that Artbox Singapore can only be experienced here in Singapore.

The sponsors agree:

“Well known for being the biggest hipster creative market in Bangkok, Artbox is a refreshing and exciting concept that brings together young entrepreneurs, giving them a platform to showcase their work. This being Artbox’s inaugural offshore foray, we’re thrilled as title sponsor to bring Artbox to the iconic Marina Bay for the first time. We hope that the activities in store will present to the public new and unique experiences that will enable them to participate in the endless possibilities of the Bay.” Shared Karen Ngui, Managing Director and Head of Group Strategic Marketing and Communications, DBS Bank.

Artbox Singapore is aligned with the vision of founders of Artbox Thailand to support and empower the community of creative entrepreneurs. Beyond a springboard for the creative community to further collaborate and grow, Artbox lies at the heart of makers, designers and artists putting their quirky creations up for display.

Signature fairy lights

Photo courtesy of Artbox Singapore.

While familiar local elements take centrestage at Artbox Singapore, there’s no missing the enrapturing display of 5, 000 lit up fairy light. The riveting installation spans across three kilometres and comprises of artwork crafted on 200 pieces of sheet metal from Artbox Thailand.

The signature features from Artbox Thailand such as the fairy lights and shipping containers will be retained. At the same time, Artbox Singapore will incorporate familiar local elements – showcasing the local soul of a unique Singaporean night market.

The official light-up takes place on 14 April, 7pm.

Iconic shipping containers

Photo courtesy of Artbox Singapore/Bangkok.

Artbox Singapore will feature more than 10 of these shipping containers (a mix of 20-foot and 40-foot).

They are re-purposed for event usage including partner booths, an extensive Artbox Singapore merchandise shop and a double-stacked container decked in fairy lights and lighted Artbox Singapore logo for a photo backdrop.

Literally breathe out smoke as you dig into this innovative Dragon’s Breath dessert that’s as interesting as it tastes.

Different line-up for both weekends

Photo courtesy of Artbox Singapore.

There’s no lack of novelty and excitement as the line-up for each weekend is changed up to make the most of Artbox Singapore.

You can expect more than 300 booths of beauty, fashion, food and art from regional vendors and partners; including Thai vendors who will be flying in. A diverse range of product offerings ranging from food, fashion, lifestyle, home and décor awaits shoppers.

There are even unique products that are non-mainstream, handmade and/or originals often self-designed and not typically available in stores.

Entertaining local and Thai music for everyone

Photo courtesy of Artbox Singapore.

Revel in live music performances from local musicians and special performances from Thai artistes flown in from Thailand as you shop at Artbox Singapore. One of the buskers along Orchard Road, Ken Loh, will also be gracing the stage.

What you should keep an eye out for

Photo courtesy of Artbox Singapore.

Showcase your singing talent by requesting to go up on stage when there are no scheduled performances

As over 400, 000 visitors are expected to turn out at the event, the recommended way to reach Artbox Singapore is by train. The nearest train station is Bayfront MRT, only minutes away from Marina Bayfront.

Due to limited parking lots, driving is not advised.

Extra perks from title sponsor, DBS Bank:

First 50 tertiary students (universities and polytechnics) per day to flash their student passes and DBS/POSB cards at the DBS Live Fresh zone will get a special Artbox Singapore tote bag

All DBS/POSB cardmembers have access to the DBS Live Fresh zone – a super chill zone to hang out with your friends amidst the hustle and bustle

DBS is also running a Facebook contest to give out Artbox goodie bags with over S$30 worth of items in each bag. Details:

Next stop – Taipei (tentatively)

The plans for the Artbox Asia Tour are currently underway with the second stop tentatively being Taipei. In spite of that, Artbox in each city will have a flair of its own, as the overarching concept would be adapted to local contexts.

Last but not least, visitors are recommended to stay till late in a bid to experience both the day and night atmosphere at Artbox Singapore. Would we do that? You betcha.